OC Streetcar Construction Proceeds at Full Speed

OC Streetcar is the first modern streetcar project to be built in Orange County and will serve Santa Ana’s historic and thriving downtown, courthouses, government offices, education and cultural institutions, and the thriving DTSA restaurant scene. Expected to begin carrying passengers in 2022, construction is rolling along now to build the tracks along a 4.15-mile route.

The development of this project requires collaboration between the government with local residents and the business community. Therefore, many communication platforms have been explored and pursued to accommodate as many people as possible during construction.

Business Resource Directory

OCTA initially developed a resource guide for local businesses to provide support during OC Streetcar construction. Highlights of the Business Resource Directory that encourage support of local businesses include information on how to obtain construction updates, where to get free business and support and promotional programs including free signage, business spotlights, one-on-one project briefings and a coupon program. ​

OCTA’s Eat Shop Play Promotes Local Businesses

OCTA also developed the Eat Shop Play program to support businesses located along the future OC Streetcar route. Eat Shop Play offers marketing assistance to increase exposure and foot traffic during construction. Participation is free. OCTA's Eat Shop Play program supports businesses located along the future OC streetcar route. Learn more at octa.net/eatshopplay.

OCTA Partnership with Downtown Business Improvement District Organizations

Over the past five years, OCTA has worked closely with the downtown business district management organizations to ensure businesses are aware, informed and able to provide input on the OC Streetcar project. OCTA Staff have spoken and made appearances at downtown events including DTSA Summer Business Lunches, Downtown Annual Gatherings, DTSA First Saturday Artwalk, DTSA Sidewalk Sales and information sessions OCTA hosted and co-marketed through the business district’s communication channels. 

In April 2020, the OCTA Board of Directors decided to grant $100,000 to each of the downtown management organizations this year and next year to enhance their efforts to market downtown and create more events to help offset the effects from the crux of the construction.

The downtown groups are currently soliciting ideas, getting quotes from vendors, board members and organization working groups on how to best use these funds to help downtown businesses within the specific spending arena of enhancing the marketing reach of the district.

​Downtown Inc and Santa Ana Business Council are the two groups that have been granted the funds on behalf of the businesses in. Please share your ideas, input, and feedback on ways to promote Downtown by contacting info@downtown-inc.com.

About the Construction

The OC Streetcar Construction has increased to take advantage of many businesses being closed or doing limited business during COVID-19. Current efforts are closing-out the heavy utility relocation work:

Sewer Installation
Sewer installation work continues along the project route with activities including excavation, trenching, installation of sewer pipelines, and road work and restoration. Sewer installation work requires temporary parking and lane restrictions. Drivers traveling to downtown Santa Ana and to the Santa Ana Transportation Center from the 5 Freeway will encounter detours on Santa Ana Boulevard to accommodate the work activity. Please leave extra time.

Water Pipeline
Crews will also continue to perform water pipeline work and storm drain installation work along the project route, which requires temporary lane and sidewalk restrictions. Access will be maintained for all residents and businesses. 

Get the latest construction updates from OCTA

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Story by Ryan Smolar and Madeleine Spencer with information obtained from octa.net/streetcar